Coke posts big gains in Republic of Ireland last year as brand Coke out-gains all other top-10 brands and Coca-Cola Co acquires Cadbury's brands mid-year. 7UP is #2 brand in Ireland and Diet 7UP is #5. 7UP is owned by PepsiCo outside US since 1986; by Cadbury in US. Unusual 7UP distribution arrangement in Ireland draws to close (BD 3/10/00). In that country, though brand owned by PepsiCo, it has been bottled and distributed by Coke system. Pepsi's Ireland bottler Cantrell & Cochrane (C&C) takes over Feb. 1, 2001.

Table. Shows corporate and top-10 brand shares for 1999 and 1998 with share changes. Republic of Ireland does not include Northern Ireland. Market. Although Ireland population tiny (3.6 million), per capita consumption of CSD is second only to Norway in Europe, according to UK-based Canadean. Per capita consumption at 480 eight-ounce servings, more than twice European average of 198 servings.

Players. 1) Coke dominates corporate shares and owns three of top-10 brands. 2) Pepsi boosts corporate share on strong 7UP performance. 3) Cadbury share shown covers January-June period; Coke takes control of Cadbury brands mid-year.

Brands. Five of top-10 brands -- Coca-Cola, 7UP, Diet Coke, Diet 7UP and Fanta orange -- in Coke bottling system last year. C&C handled Club orange, Pepsi-Cola and Cidona apple soda. Finches orange made and distributed by United Brands.

Per capita. Although Irish CSD consumption is above average for Europe, CSD is #4 beverage behind tea, milk and beer, according to Canadean. Hot tea consumption, 838 servings, is tops in Europe. Milk consumption, 711 servings, is #2 in Europe. Beer consumption, 653 servings, increased 13.5% from 1994-1999.